by | Nov 27, 2013 | 16 comments

One of my top tips for enjoying your Thanksgiving happily and healthily was to fit in some exercise.  I’m all about the Turkey Trot, but if you’re not able to fit one in or just don’t want to participate, I wanted to provide you with a workout that you can do from the comfort of your home (or your relatives’ home, or your hotel, or wherever!). In just 12 short minutes (or 25 if you do 2 rounds!), you can get in a quick little sweat that will make you feel more energized and ready to tackle all the cooking, eating, family, and football you can handle!

Right before I made up the workout, I came across this article that lists the 4 biggest problem areas for runners: the hips, glutes, hamstrings, and ankles.  The article gave a few exercises to strengthen each area, so I’ve included them in this workout (they are marked with an asterisk in the graphic).  They’re helpful for building strength in runners and non-runners alike!  I’ve copied the descriptions straight from the article200498101-001(source)

All you have to do for this workout is complete 1 or 2 rounds of the workout in the top box (it took me about 12 minutes to complete each of my 2 rounds, and I rested for 1 minute in between for 25 total minutes).  Then, sometime throughout the day, choose any activity from the lower box to round out your workout … all while spending time with family, focusing on your gratitude, relieving stress, or watching football!

Fit It In Turkey Day Workout from The Lyons Share

Fit-It-In Turkey Day Workout: Descriptions and Video Links

  1. Jumping Jacks
  2. Plank with leg-raises: Hold plank, lift your left leg for a set of 10 and then your right leg.  Alternate until 90-seconds is up, taking breaks if needed.
  3. Wacky Jacks: a great oblique workout!  You really have to watch the video to understand, but I learned these when I did P90X.
  4. Clams: Lie on your right side, legs stacked, with knees slightly bent; lift your left leg up to 60-degrees and lower. Do a set of 35 on each side.
  5. 3-way calf raises: Place your toes facing forward on the edge of a step for a set of 10 raises, the second 10 raises point your toes inward, finally, for the third 10 point your toes away from each other.
  6. Lunges (called “front lunges” on that link)
  7. Squats
  8. Tricep dips
  9. Back bridges (called “bridge lifts” on that link): Lie on your back, knees bent and feet placed on the floor in front of your bum. Squeezing your glutes, lift off the ground aiming to keep your torso in align and lift until only your shoulder-blades are resting on the ground.
  10. Burpees

Whew!  Now that we’ve worked out, I have a few links to share with you, some of which are sure to make you laugh:

Last thing before I go … since I won’t be posting tomorrow, I want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to you, my readers!  I am truly so grateful … for every time you read one of my posts, every comment that you make on the blog or email me, every “blend” that I’ve made.  I’m honored that you continue to read, and hope that I’ve been able to provide some motivation, education, or inspiration somewhere along the way.  If you ever have any questions or suggestions, you know where to reach me.  And I hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving (if you celebrate) and a wonderful day no matter what! thankful for you(picture source)

So tell me in the comments … What are your “weak” areas and what do you do to fix them?  What do you do to get out of awkward conversations?  What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?

16 Comments

  1. Arman @ thebigmansworld

    What a great workout especially to do in such a compact amount of time- Definitely will be pinning it for days I work from home and get cabin fever!

    Also, big thanks to YOU for constantly posting informative and helpful posts- even though you have such a hectic schedule- it means alot to your readers and ‘blends’ 😉

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      Thanks for pinning, Arman! You know how much I appreciate your constant support, it means a lot!

      Reply
  2. Michael Anderson

    Great advice for a workout – tomorrow I am taking a family day (did today and will do Fri-Sun as well).

    Weak areas – too much time spent on technology. Yeah, constant struggle 🙂 I have no problem with silence or being along – so if there is an awkward situation I will just be silent. My wife says that I can really make it apparent if I don’t want to talk to someone …

    I am thankful for an amazing wife and two great kids. We made pies today (well, younger son and I) and am looking forward to a great relaxing day tomorrow.

    Enjoy the holiday!

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      Haha, Michael, I laughed when I read this, because I am the SAME way! I also have no problem with silence or being alone, and am not the best at covering up when I don’t want to talk to someone :). So glad you’re thankful for the things that truly matter – I hope your holiday was amazing!

      Reply
  3. Kim

    In the past I’ve had IT Band issues so I would say that’s my weak area. I managed to get through my most recent marathon training cycle with it not being an issue, but I definitely need to work on it more.

    this is a great workout – I will try it sometime

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      Congratulations on getting through your marathon training cycle without your IT band flaring up, Kim! I had some IT band issues several years ago, and it was terrible – went into my piriformis for a while, then down to the knee. The foam roller was truly my saving grace – do you have one?

      Reply
  4. Sara @ LovingOnTheRun

    Love this Megan! Thanks for sharing!

    This has been one of the most challenging years buts I am so thankfully for my husband, my family, my fur children, and most importantly my health and happiness!

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      Sara, I know you’ve been through a lot this year, but it’s so great that you can still appreciate what’s truly important to you! Like I said above, we often forget to appreciate those things that are MOST important!

      Reply
  5. Tonya@healthy, Fit, and Frugal

    I’m doing a fun charity 5k tomorrow morning. I love starting Thanksgiving that way! My problem areas is my calves. Any advice for that? I bought a new pair of shoes which seem to be helping a little. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      How was the 5K, Tonya? I hope it went great! Regarding your calves, what seems to be the biggest issue? Is it tightness, or pain, or an area you find difficult to tone? Let me know and I’ll be happy to share my advice (although I’m not a doctor, of course!).

      Reply
      • Tonya@healthy, Fit, and Frugal

        It went really well. Best pace to date. My calves just get really really tight, even though I’m stretching after and foam rolling, but the guy at the shoe store said that’s to be expected with switching from sand to pavement. I’m only just over a month into running on pavement. My new shoes do seem to be helping as well. Hopefully it will work itself out eventually. As long as nothing is too painful to run.

        Reply
        • Megan Lyons

          You know what’s strange, Tonya? I’ve NEVER had problems with tight calves until a recent race, and since then, mine have been super tight! I’ve been using the stick and the foam roller, and concentrating on stretching as much as possible. I also got a massage and asked them to really work on the calves. All those things have helped, but it’s still nagging me a bit – I hope we both recover soon!!

          Reply
  6. Davida @ The Healthy Maven

    and THANK YOU! I love going to your little space everyday and reading what’s on your mind/what you have to share. I legitimately look forward to reading TLS 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving beautiful!

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      Thank you so much, Davida. I appreciate it so much :).

      Reply
  7. Jessie

    Awesome workout & extra ways to sneak in some exercise throughout the day. This year I’m thankful for the life I’ve been blessed with Sure it sounds a bit cliche, but I have a wonderful husband – a supportive husband – hilarious friends – an adorable dog, and I’m healthy. Couldn’t ask for more <3

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      It sounds like you know right where your priorities are and appreciate what you have – that’s awesome, Jessie! Health and family are SO important, and we often take them for granted!

      Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Thanksgiving Workout | easypeasyfitness - […] credit for this workout, but I really like it so I’m sharing it with you.  It comes from The Lyon’s…
  2. Eating Healthy at Restaurants (Guest Post) | Chasing Raspberries - […] Chasing Raspberries readers! My name is Megan, and I blog over at The Lyons’ Share. I am so grateful…

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Megan Lyons Headshot

Hi! I'm Megan Lyons,

the voice behind The Lyons’ Share. I love all things health, wellness, and fitness-related, and I hope to share some of my passion with you. Thanks for stopping by!
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